Algae ID

sketh · Sep 20, 2024

Looks like Bryopsis Algae, my tuxedo urchin does not want to eat any of it which makes more sense.

Any confirmation on algae type/how I can combat it?

crazyfishmom · Sep 20, 2024

Im not sure it looks like bryopsis. Would you be able to take a closer picture?

sketh · Sep 20, 2024

crazyfishmom said:
Im not sure it looks like bryopsis. Would you be able to take a closer picture?

Not sure if this helps, but attached are 3 more images. Cant get much closer without sacrificing picture quality.

BristleWormHater · Sep 20, 2024

Look closely at it, bryopsis "branches" should look like tiny ferns or feathers. That looks more like turf algae to me.

vetteguy53081 · Sep 20, 2024

sketh said:
Not sure if this helps, but attached are 3 more images. Cant get much closer without sacrificing picture quality.

Not close to bryopsis but more like hair and turf algae. Bryopsis has a root system which this does not show, and would look like a cluster of ferns
Is your tank at or near a window?
Are you using tap water from faucet to mix your water?

sketh · Sep 21, 2024

vetteguy53081 said:
Not close to bryopsis but more like hair and turf algae. Bryopsis has a root system which this does not show, and would look like a cluster of ferns
Is your tank at or near a window?
Are you using tap water from faucet to mix your water?

The tank is in the basement, far from any natural lighting. I use RODI water + salt for water changes and RODI water in ATO.

I’m thinking it’s likely an issue from high nitrates and high lighting. I already decreased lighting and am working on lowering nitrates.

Any other advice you can share to help me out?

vetteguy53081 · Sep 21, 2024

sketh said:
The tank is in the basement, far from any natural lighting. I use RODI water + salt for water changes and RODI water in ATO.

I’m thinking it’s likely an issue from high nitrates and high lighting. I already decreased lighting and am working on lowering nitrates.

Any other advice you can share to help me out?

Setting is good as often indirect sun can even be an issue. Light reduction help as is use of proper cleaner snails. Additionally, test your water source to assure you dont have a high level of phosphates coming through especially if your cartridges are expired or close to useful lie

crazyfishmom · Sep 21, 2024

sketh said:
Not sure if this helps, but attached are 3 more images. Cant get much closer without sacrificing picture quality.

Yes thank you. These pictures help. As others mentioned this looks like turf algae. A couple of large Mexican turbo snails and two or three lettuce nudibranches should do wonders. As you already mentioned nutrient balance will be important in helping you win this battle too.

sketh · Sep 21, 2024

vetteguy53081 said:
Setting is good as often indirect sun can even be an issue. Light reduction help as is use of proper cleaner snails. Additionally, test your water source to assure you dont have a high level of phosphates coming through especially if your cartridges are expired or close to useful lie

Forgot to include parameters in original post:
8.0 pH
0.25ppm Phosphate
~2.0ppm Nitrates
0.0ppm Nitrites

But also the tank is ~2 months old so I will replace the filter cartridge soon.

As @crazyfishmom , the parameters are in a good balance but I will try to move my Tuxedo Urchin towards the turf algae to hopefully get rid of it.

Thank you all for the assistance, greatly appreciated!

vetteguy53081 · Sep 21, 2024

sketh said:
Forgot to include parameters in original post:
8.0 pH
0.25ppm Phosphate
~2.0ppm Nitrates
0.0ppm Nitrites

But also the tank is ~2 months old so I will replace the filter cartridge soon.

As @crazyfishmom , the parameters are in a good balance but I will try to move my Tuxedo Urchin towards the turf algae to hopefully get rid of it.

Thank you all for the assistance, greatly appreciated!

If correct, the phos readings are a little high and will support algae growth. You want .06 - .1
I siuspect you are using API kit. Assure readings are accurate by taking a water sample to a store that does NOT use Api kits and have them test your ammonia, phos and nitrates and compare readings- then you'll know where your levels truly are at

iko2thdk · Sep 26, 2024

Hi R2R. Would appreciate help with this algae I D which is progressively getting worse. A few months ago I treated the aquarium w fluconazole according to recommendations from my LFS. For sometime it appeared as if these growths had abated. Having a hard time keeping euphyllia type corals alive for more than 6 months. They always seem to begin to shrink and rarely seem to thrive. Zoas mushrooms and other softies seem to do quite well.

My parameters are concerning g because I cannot seem to maintain Nitrates. Obviously the algae growth is taking advantage and utilizing these nutrients. Phosphates are almost always below 0.1. Alkalinity between 9.5 and 10.5 and calcium about 400

I’ve done large water changes, cut back on lighting and yet the nuisance algae is thriving.

Would welcome some input and help. It is quite frustrating.

Thanks